Around 12,500 people have died from heat in Germany.

Approximately 12,500 people died in Germany from heat waves between April 6 and August 2, 2026. According to the latest data from the Robert Koch Institute, this number is the highest since 2016, when such statistics began being kept.

According to Anadolu Ajansi, the last week of June was particularly critical. Experts estimate that from June 22 to 28, the heat wave could have caused approximately 9,600 deaths, accounting for almost 77% of the total for that period. During these days, temperatures in many parts of Germany reached almost 40 degrees Celsius.

The elderly were most at risk. Approximately 6,300 of the deaths were over 85 years old, more than 3,100 were between 75 and 84 years old, and another 1,900 were between 65 and 74 years old. Approximately 1,200 heat-related deaths were recorded among people under 65.

It should be noted that the 12,500 death toll is a preliminary and conservative estimate. Heat is rarely listed as a direct cause on death certificates, as it most often aggravates the condition of people with pre-existing cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Therefore, experts determine excess mortality by comparing the actual number of deaths during hot periods with the normal mortality rate.

It was previously reported that prolonged heat and drought led to water shortages in several European countries. In Germany, water restrictions were imposed in 109 municipalities, and in Moldova, due to the low level of the Dniester River, authorities began preparing for possible water supply disruptions.